Dress for Success

By Mark Weber

The author of Dress Casually for Success talks about work wear.

From dressing down to an interview, what you wear makes a
definite impression.

On suits
There is nothing more fashionable or professional-looking
than a navy blue suit. If you really want to look like you've
got your act together, most people look good in a navy suit.
Then you can choose what kind of statement you want to make
with your accessories.

On dressing down
If you decide to dress casually, it's still important to put
some thought into what you wear. The first rule is to
remember that you are dressing for business and not for the
weekend. You need to be well groomed and clean and neat, and
whatever you wear, your clothes should not stand out too
much. A subtle look says that you understand what fashion is
all about, and lets you provide the excitement.

On dressing for an interview
At one time, it was safe to say that traditional
business-wear was the standard uniform for an interview, but
that's not necessarily the case anymore. It all depends on
where you want to work. For example, if you are interviewing
at an Internet company with an informal dress code, going in
with a suit and tie may send the wrong signal. Along the same
lines, if you want to work for an advertising agency that is
looking for young, fresh-thinking, creative people, a
traditional business suit and tie might not be the best way
to dress.

On color
If you are going to buy a suit, focus on solid colors (navy,
black, gray, taupe) so that you can expand your outfits
through a limited budget by spending more on accessories.
There are always "hot" colors out there, but if you wear a
really bright suit, people are going to notice--every time
you wear it.

On ties
I don't believe in ties that have messages or fancy logos
and the like. In Weber's world, there is no burgundy--other
than the wine. I would outlaw it. But for neckwear, I make an
exception. A burgundy tie with a nice print or a woven
pattern can look great with a navy suit.

On his personal wardrobe
At any given time, I have about 20 active navy suits, 10
single- and 10 double-breasted, in slightly different weights
for different seasons. I have mostly white shirts and all my
shoes are identical. All I have to think about in the morning
is what number I wore the day before, and change the shirt
and tie. I took it to a new level because I didn't want to
worry about what to wear to work on a given day--I have too
much on my mind.

The fundamentals
You have to be comfortable--not just in fit, but in your
head as well. Above all, you want to feel good. I believe
that the most important message you send comes from your
overall appearance and you as a person, not necessarily from
your clothes. Let the clothes accessorize you, not the other
way around.

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